Kirinyaga County distributes 5,800 gas cookers in climate action drive

Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has distributed 5,800 free meko gas cookers to households as part of efforts to reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal in the county. The initiative aims to promote clean energy use and mitigate deforestation and indoor air pollution.

Speaking at a public event at Kamiigua Grounds in Kutus, Waiguru unveiled a broader community-focused climate action and development program supported through the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) initiative. The package includes distribution of water tanks and pipes, fish pond liners, and garbage skips, alongside the cookers.

The Governor said the county is implementing practical strategies to address climate change and support sustainable livelihoods.

“We are taking bold steps to empower communities to adapt to climate change and build long-term resilience,” she said.

Waiguru noted that the gas cookers will promote the use of clean cooking technologies and reduce the rate of tree cutting. She added that a training program on energy-saving stoves is set to be launched at Kibingoti Polytechnic to build local capacity for clean energy solutions.

To enhance water access, the county handed over 10,000-litre water tanks to 20 community groups to support rainwater harvesting and small-scale agriculture such as kitchen gardens.

In a move to improve waste management, 26 garbage skips and a skip loader truck were distributed to improve sanitation in markets and trading centres. The governor also mentioned the ongoing development of a Material Recovery Facility to support waste sorting and recycling, which is expected to create job opportunities.

Additional projects under the climate action plan include support for the Inua Jamii Rupingazi Water Project, set to serve 500 households in Njukiini and Murinduko, and provision of irrigation pipes to the Rukenya Irrigation Water Project to promote climate-resilient farming.

To boost climate-smart agriculture, 60 farmers received dam liners to support fish farming and irrigation, while a fish feed production machine was provided to enhance access to affordable, quality fish feed.

In support of agroforestry, the county plans to distribute macadamia and avocado seedlings to 20,000 farmers in the upcoming rainy season, targeting both environmental restoration and farmer income generation.

At the same event, 17 self-help groups received tents and chairs, and one group was given a public address system to aid in their activities. Kirima Dairy Cooperative Society, which has 6,400 members, received chemicals and testing equipment to improve milk quality control.

Waiguru also highlighted ongoing county projects, including health facility upgrades, road improvements in market centres, and support for agricultural value addition and marketing. She cited the upcoming Sagana Industrial City as a key component in strengthening the county’s agro-industrial economy.

Kirinyaga County Assembly Speaker Murimi Mutemi and several MCAs attended the event and expressed support for the initiatives, pledging continued cooperation between the assembly and the executive to ensure effective service delivery.

Kabare Ward MCA Dr. Isaac Mbogo commended the governor for implementing programs aimed at improving livelihoods in line with her election pledges.